South America’s Emerging Market for Psyllium Products: An Opportunity for Indian Manufacturers

In recent years, the market for psyllium, particularly in regions such as South America, has shown strong growth, and Indian manufacturers are well-positioned to capitalise on this opportunity. For companies producing husk and powder forms of psyllium, the shifting demand patterns in countries such as Brazil and Argentina present a compelling case for export growth and partnership.

Why psyllium is getting popular in South America?

There are several reasons behind the rising popularity of psyllium in South America. With increasing health consciousness, consumers are seeking natural, plant-based ingredients that support digestive health, fibre intake, and overall wellness. Reports show that the psyllium products market in Latin America is projected to grow from about USD 0.10 billion in 2023 to about USD 0.19 billion by 2033. The trend toward functional foods, dietary supplements and clean-label ingredients is strong in South America, making psyllium husk and powder appealing.

Also, changes in diet and lifestyle, more processed foods, more urban populations, and more interest in fibre and digestive health mean psyllium’s benefits are resonating. As one market report notes: “Latin America is experiencing a surge in the demand for psyllium husk, driven by the rising health consciousness and the inclination towards natural and plant-based ingredients.” Thus, Indian manufacturers who already supply at scale and with experience have an edge in meeting this emerging demand.

Where psyllium husk is being used in South America?

In food and beverages, psyllium husk is increasingly being incorporated into breakfast cereals, bakery goods (like breads, biscuits, muffins), ice cream and gluten-free formulations. In South America, with growing interest in fibre-enriched foods and vegan or clean-label products, these uses are becoming more relevant.

In the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, psyllium is used as a bulk-forming laxative, in digestive-health formulations, and increasingly in functional supplement formats. The dairy industry is exploring psyllium’s functionality for texture modification and fibre enrichment. Though specific South American dairy usage data is limited, the global trend shows psyllium being used in processed foods and dairy derivatives for improved nutrition and functionality.

High nutrition in psyllium husk

The nutritional virtues of psyllium husk are well-documented. The husk is rich in soluble fibre and gel-forming mucilage, which supports gut health, regularity, cholesterol reduction and blood sugar moderation. One study showed that psyllium husk powder comprises roughly 85 % total carbohydrate (mostly dietary fibre) along with small amounts of protein, ash and moisture. The soluble fibre binds water to form a gel-like substance that helps stool passage, supports healthy cholesterol levels and improves feelings of fullness, all features attractive to health-conscious South American consumers.

Because psyllium is derived from the seed husk of the plant Plantago ovata (commonly called isabgol), it has long been used in traditional Indian medicine and is now valued globally for its “nutraceutical” potential.

Uses of psyllium husk in food, pharma and dairy industries

• Food industry: Psyllium husk is used as a fibre-booster and texture-enhancer in bakery goods, breakfast cereals, nutrition bars, ice-cream and gluten-free foods. Its gel-forming capacity helps in moisture retention and texture improvement, especially in clean-label and low-carb formulations.
• Pharmaceutical industry: In pharma, psyllium husk and powder are used in laxatives and digestive health products, helping relieve constipation, regulate bowel transit and manage cholesterol and blood-sugar levels. Because of the strong link between fibre intake and chronic disease prevention, psyllium is increasingly included in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical portfolios.
• Dairy industry: While less publicised than food or pharma, the dairy industry is adopting functional ingredients such as psyllium to enrich yoghurts, drinkable dairy products or dairy-based nutrition bars with soluble fibre, and to improve texture and clean-label credibility. Indian supply chains offering husk and powder allow dairy manufacturers in South America to introduce fibre‐fortified or premium variants.

Indian manufacturing strength and exporter role

India dominates the global production of psyllium. Indian states such as Gujarat and Rajasthan contribute heavily to the cultivation and processing of psyllium husk, and India accounts for more than 80-90 % of global exports. The infrastructure, experience and cost-advantages of Indian producers position them well to serve emerging markets like South America.

A notable supplier is Farmvale Psyllium, a producer of high-quality psyllium husk and powder, exporting bulk quantities worldwide. Their capabilities in scaling production, meeting international quality standards and delivering across export logistics make them a viable partner for South American food, pharma and dairy manufacturers seeking reliable supply.

Why South America is a strategic market for Indian manufacturers?

For Indian manufacturers like Farmvale Psyllium, the South American region offers:

• Growing consumer awareness of digestive health, fibre enrichment and natural ingredients.
• Increasing adoption of functional foods, clean-label products, and health-driven dairy/food innovations.
• Less saturated competition compared to mature markets (North America, Europe).
• Favourable export-import ties and scope for establishing supply chains of psyllium husk and powder.

In summary, as South America embraces fibre-rich, plant-based ingredients in food, dairy and pharma arenas, the rising popularity of psyllium husk presents an excellent window of opportunity for Indian manufacturers. With India’s production leadership and export readiness exemplified by firms such as Farmvale Psyllium, the pathway into the South American market is both timely and promising.

For more information, you can contact Farmavle Psyllium, a trusted name in the industry for over two decades. They export both organic and conventional Psyllium worldwide. For inquiries or details related to Psyllium, reach out to sale@farmvalepsyllium.com